Authorities rush to rescue sailors from stranded ship

BINH THUAN (VNS) — The Binh Thuan Port authorities are hurrying to salvage the Truong Hai ship that has run aground off the southern Binh Thuan Province.

The ship, carrying 3,000 tonnes of rice and 13 sailors, ran aground about nautical 15 miles southwest of Ke Ga Lighthouse in the province's Ham Thuan District on Sunday.

Authorities said that the water tank, meant to balance the ship, had been punctured. The sailors were continuously pumping out water to maintain the vessel's balance and save the ship from sinking. They also asked fishermen nearby to help unload a part of the rice cargo.

The port authority said some fishing boats tried to get access to the ship to steal its cargo and property. The Truong Hai Maritime Transport Company sent a document asking the Binh Thuan port authorities to speed up rescue efforts and to ensure security of the ship.

The port authorities are working with the provincial police and border guard forces to take emergency measures to save the ship and ensure the safety of its property and sailors. — VNS